To buy or not to buy?

[ivorton23]

I just found me a 96 maxima se with 200,000 miles on autotrader for $1950. It's in good condition, has some minor rust over the right rear wheel arch, interior is clean except for the floor mats, but best of all its a 5 speed. Ive been searching for months for a 5 speed se 4th gen. They are very hard to find in South Dakota. The guy said i can get it for $1600. What do u guys think...should i get it??

[Markc]

Man, thats alot of miles. But the price is fair if it's in good condition. I guess it would depend on what needs to be done to the car to bring it up to snuff, how bad you want it, how long you plan to keep it, how much money you're willing to put into it and if you can perform DIY work.Is there a history of maintenance/repairs?

[ivorton23]

I may keep it for awhile. Just until I can afford another maxima (4th or 5th gen) with lower mileage. I dont know about the history yet. I'll ask the dealership guy for a carfax report. Plus I plan to check it out myself for leaks, abnormal noises etc. I have a 97 altima and its been in the shop for almost 2 weeks. Has rough idling and stalling issues so me n my wife have no ride.

[loystock]

I do agree with Mark. That's a lot of mileage and without maintenance history, it could be a money pit. I know you need a car and if you decide to go for it, make sure you do a thorough inspection. You can also take it to a AAA inspection station or reputable shop for pre-buy inspection, $120, maybe more.

[ivorton23]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...false

This is the car here. It looks good. I will take it for inspection if I decide to go for it.

[Markc]

The interior looks good but the rusties are well on their way to taking over the exterior. Give that 2 more winters and there will be a lot less white around those wheel wells. Then again, it's what one could expect for $1600.

[ivorton23]

Yeah I noticed the rust. No biggie though cuz I plan to give it new paint. im thinking 350z white pearl and 350z wheels. I've seen lots of maximas like that and they look great. If not 350z wheels I'll probably get some 06 0r 07 maxima wheels. I dont expect the car to be perfect...just as long as it runs good and wouldn't break down on me.

[Markc]

Just be realistic. Add it all up and see if you're better off buying the one you've "been after" or buying a newer version. Paint, mechanical, it all adds up you know. Just do your homework. What else but common sense is there to offer here? Best of luck to you. I hope that if you do buy it, the car will be good to you.

[ivorton23]

Well I just checked the history of the car on carfax and everything is A OK. It has a clean title, had only 2 owners, was never in an accident or anything like that. It has had a recent service...fluids changed, suspension,brakes,steering and engine and running gear checked. It's in perfect running order!! I just hope no one gets it before I do!!!

[Markc]

Well, get after it then! Just remember that it does have 200k on it, and fancy wheels and paint cost a lot. Maybe some standard paint and keep the wheels? You'll soon exceed the cars value with fancy upgrades and it will still be worth little more than what you paid for it. Hate to sound negative, but facts are facts.

[ivorton23]

yeah you have a point there.Today I seen a 97 maxima that is the same color and it looks immaculate....super clean. The stock white dont look bad at all. As for the rims, I seen some cheaps 350z and maxima rims on ebay and stuff. My friend used to have a 96 gxe and he got 2001 maxima rims from a salvage yard in PA for $150 and it was in great shape too.

[ABNRML4U]

IMO... I would just stay away from any car that has more than 200+ miles and has "rust" yeah, I know You want to save a the Nissan but just beware if you do buy it your going to have to put some $$$ into it.